Archive for the ‘Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II’ tag

Though Lancia may not be as glamorous a marque as Ferrari, its Stratos mid-engine coupe is among the most sought-after sports cars of the 1970s. Original examples are getting harder to find with each passing year, which is what makes this unrestored barn-find 1972 Lancia Stratos HF Stradale, to be auctioned by Bonhams at its upcoming Quail Lodge sale, particularly attractive.

Already uncommon in Stradale (road-going) form, this early-bodied example is said to be highly original and in “sound” condition, and has been reportedly untouched since it was parked (with the keys in the ignition) in the early 1990s. It has belonged to the same Southern California owner for the past three decades.

Originally sold in Germany, Stratos body number 111 made its way to the United States in the early 1980s. Its owner wasn’t a collector, so the car didn’t receive the same degree of obsessive care often granted rare and valuable cars. Currently not in running condition, Bonhams representatives said the car is in need of a “sympathetic restoration,” although the body itself is reported to be in very good overall condition. This Stratos has accumulated just 50,116 kilometers (31,072 miles) on the odometer, and appears to be intact (including the factory spare wheel and tire) except for the reupholstered seats.

Constructed for homologation purposes, Lancia Stratos Stradale models used the same 2.4-liter Ferrari Dino V-6 found in racing versions, but in a significantly lower state of tune. Even with a mere 190 horsepower, the Stratos Stradale’s light weight (under 2,200 pounds) helped the wedge-shaped beauty accelerate from 0-60 MPH in less than five seconds, on its way to a top speed of some 140 MPH.

In total, it’s believed that only 492 Lancia Stratos models (including all variants) were constructed during the car’s brief production run. As many were either raced, crashed, or both, it’s impossible to know how many surviving examples remain, especially of the Stradale variant. Their rarity and mystique add to their value: A fully restored 1976 Lancia Stratos Stradale was sold by RM Auctions in Monaco last May for 299,600 euros (approximately $391,000). In its current condition, this example likely won’t bid that high, meaning that its new owner could be getting a desirable car at a relatively affordable price.

Another early entry into this year’s Bonhams sale in Carmel is an ex-works 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk. II, registration number 767 KNX, driven by Paddy Hopkirk and Grant Clark at the 1964 12 Hours of Sebring. Reports of the day call Hopkirk’s drive “memorable,” but Clark reportedly crashed the car minutes after a driver change.

Following the Sebring race, the car was returned to as-new condition by the factory, before being sold to a string of privateer racers. Among other events, the Austin-Healey ran in the 1965 Targa Florio, campaigned by owner Ted Worswick and co-driver Alan Minshaw. Just 90 miles into the race, the Healey’s limited slip differential failed, ending the pair’s race prematurely.

Recently restored to what Bonhams describes as “concours condition,” the 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II will likely fetch an impressive price at the Quail Lodge sale. Perhaps the most direct comparison was another ex-works Healey that sold at Bonhams Goodwood last September. In this case, the car was a 1958 Austin-Healey 100/6 Rally Car, registration PJB 828, with a documented racing history and a recent restoration; it sold for 85,500 pounds (roughly $131,000).

The Bonhams Quail Lodge auction is scheduled for Friday, August 16. For more information, visit Bonhams.com.

Update 8/24: The Lancia Stratos HF Stradale sold for $264,000, while the Austin-Healey 3000 Mk. II drew a winning bid of $352,000. Both prices include the 10-percent buyer’s premium.